News for 'us secretary of state'

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

I'm a big, big fan of Modi, India can count on me: Trump

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Taking to Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump reposted Gor's original Sunday night dispatch alongside a video snippet from the grand celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America's independence, hosted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.

Seven Dalits Injured In Tamil Nadu Attack

Seven Dalits Injured In Tamil Nadu Attack

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Seven Dalits were injured in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu after being attacked by a masked gang. Political leaders have condemned the violence and called for immediate action.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Sukhen Shekhar Ray has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and his parliamentary seat, adding to the party's ongoing internal crisis and political turmoil.

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the state government will move the Supreme Court to vacate the stay on a CBI probe into the alleged Gorkhaland Territorial Administration teacher recruitment scam. The decision follows complaints of corruption and illegal teacher recruitment within the GTA.

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Xi Jinping lands in North Korea to deepen ties, Kim receives him at airport

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang for his first official visit in seven years, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reaffirm their long-standing friendship and pledge further development of bilateral relations amidst Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow and China's assertions against Japan's 'new militarism'.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

Iran in a 'state of collapse', Tehran wants us to open Hormuz: Trump

Iran in a 'state of collapse', Tehran wants us to open Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Iran is in a "state of collapse" and has requested the United States to help "open" the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Trump is not going to make a 'bad deal': Marco Rubio

Rediff.com25 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. However, President Donald Trump remains cautious, vowing not to accept a 'bad deal' regarding Iran's nuclear programme and regional stability.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Odisha Gymnastics Body Accused Of Using Dead President's Name For Funds

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association is under investigation for allegedly using the name of its deceased president to secure funds from the state government. A complaint questions the association's governance and financial practices, including the sanctioning of funds from multiple agencies for the same event.

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'The flip side of this is that he won't hesitate to call out India if he thinks its policies are hurting US economic interests or border US foreign policy goals.'

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

Kerala: CPI(M) Man Booked For Provocative Flex Board

Kerala: CPI(M) Man Booked For Provocative Flex Board

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A CPI(M) worker in Kerala has been booked for allegedly installing a flex board expressing support for Congress leader KC Venugopal in the Kerala Chief Minister race, sparking a political row.

Equestrian Federation And Olympian Anush Agarwalla Clash Over Asian Games Selection Process

Equestrian Federation And Olympian Anush Agarwalla Clash Over Asian Games Selection Process

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Olympian dressage rider Anush Agarwalla and the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) ad-hoc panel are engaged in a heated dispute over the selection process for the upcoming Asian Games. Agarwalla, a gold medallist and Paris Olympics representative, alleges a lack of transparency after being named a reserve member, while the EFI defends its process as compliant with selection criteria.

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz immediately becoming 'open to all'. This follows indications from Pakistan that negotiations were in their final stages, though Iran has yet to comment on the timeline.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Plays Chess With Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, Gets Checkmated

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Plays Chess With Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa, Gets Checkmated

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honoured Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with a Rs 50 lakh cash incentive and played a friendly game of chess with him at the Secretariat, where the young prodigy checkmated the CM. Praggnanandhaa recently made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title.

Consumer Affairs Ministry To Develop AI-Powered SMART Standards

Consumer Affairs Ministry To Develop AI-Powered SMART Standards

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Consumer Affairs Ministry is developing machine-readable SMART standards using AI to reduce industry compliance burden. This initiative aims to modernise India's standards ecosystem, with the Bureau of Indian Standards transitioning from a regulator to a facilitator, promoting private sector testing and faster processes.

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a US-Iran peace deal is on the verge of finalisation, potentially within the next 24 hours, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of intense negotiations.

The Rubios Visit Taj Mahal, Amber Fort

The Rubios Visit Taj Mahal, Amber Fort

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Jeanette and Marco Rubio spent some time at the Taj Mahal in Agra on Monday, May 25, 2026 three days before the United States secretary of state turns 55.

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

US confirms firing 2 Hellfire missiles at Indian vessel

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.

FIR Filed Against Ballia Village Head, Two Officers Over Fund Embezzlement

FIR Filed Against Ballia Village Head, Two Officers Over Fund Embezzlement

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against a village head and two village development officers in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, for alleged embezzlement of over Rs 15.5 lakh in development funds following a complaint and subsequent probe.

Cooperative Official Arrested In Odisha For Embezzlement

Cooperative Official Arrested In Odisha For Embezzlement

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Odisha Vigilance arrested a cooperative official, Patitapaban Majhi, for allegedly misappropriating over Rs 33 lakh in government funds during his tenure at the Garhsantri Service Co-operative Society.

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A special SC/ST court in Sultanpur has summoned two senior Uttar Pradesh police officers, including a former Additional Superintendent of Police, to face trial for allegedly manipulating the investigation into a Dalit atrocity, assault, and attempted culpable homicide case. The court criticised the "deplorable" investigation process and noted attempts to derail justice by dropping an accused's name.

NHRC Seeks Report On Septic Tank Deaths In Odisha

NHRC Seeks Report On Septic Tank Deaths In Odisha

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a detailed report from Odisha officials regarding the deaths of six people in a septic tank, raising concerns about human rights violations.

India's Junior Badminton Squad Aims For Glory In Japan

India's Junior Badminton Squad Aims For Glory In Japan

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

All India junior ranking medallists Tanvi Patri and Abhinav Garg will spearhead the Indian contingent at the Badminton Asia Junior (U-19) championships in Yatsushiro, Japan, from June 26 to July 5. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is confident of a strong performance and multiple medals from the squad, which includes direct selections and players chosen through trials.

BJP backs Arunachal CM Khandu after SC-directed CBI probe into contracts

BJP backs Arunachal CM Khandu after SC-directed CBI probe into contracts

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh has voiced its support for Chief Minister Pema Khandu amidst speculation about his political future following a Supreme Court-directed CBI inquiry into alleged corruption.

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned an attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that resulted in the death of a Serbian Blue Helmet and injuries to two others. The nation has called for an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. This incident follows a series of attacks on UNIFIL personnel amidst escalating hostilities in the region, prompting global calls for peacekeeper safety.

Tanveer Singh Bajwa New President Of Ski And Snowboard India

Tanveer Singh Bajwa New President Of Ski And Snowboard India

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ski and Snowboard India (SSI) elected Tanveer Singh Bajwa as its president and Mohammad Arshad as secretary general following elections conducted under the supervision of an Election Officer in accordance with directions of the Delhi High Court.

No grounds to reject Natarajan's nomination: Former MP Assembly official

No grounds to reject Natarajan's nomination: Former MP Assembly official

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A former principal secretary of the Madhya Pradesh assembly, Bhagwandev Israni, has claimed that Congress nominee Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha poll nomination was wrongly rejected, arguing she was not required to disclose information as no FIR or chargesheet had been filed against her.

Sidda, Shivakumar leave for Delhi amid Karnataka leadership change

Sidda, Shivakumar leave for Delhi amid Karnataka leadership change

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned, paving the way for a potential leadership change within the Congress party in the state. He and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar are in Delhi to discuss the formation of the new ministry with the Congress high command.

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders, including Brinda Karat and M A Baby, were detained during a protest outside the ED headquarters in Delhi against searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kanpur Police Book Three Over Defamatory Social Media Posts Against Aditi Yadav

Kanpur Police Book Three Over Defamatory Social Media Posts Against Aditi Yadav

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Kanpur cyber crime police have registered an FIR against three individuals for allegedly circulating objectionable and misleading social media posts targeting Aditi Yadav, daughter of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The complaint, filed by a Samajwadi Party official, alleges that the content included false claims, objectionable remarks, and morphed photographs intended to defame her and malign the family's reputation. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, with a cyber crime investigation currently underway.

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's military airstrikes against Afghanistan, citing significant civilian casualties, and criticised its 'trade and transit terrorism' against Afghan traders, calling these actions blatant violations of international law and UN norms.

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'Even lower middle class parents in cities opt for just one child. A son is a must.'

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmarese territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties in trade, defence, and energy.

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Bengal to begin Census in August; CM blames previous regime for delay

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that census operations in the state would commence on August 1 and continue until the end of February next year. He criticised the previous government for delaying the process and highlighted the importance of the census for the state.

CM Vijay Honours Praggnanandhaa, Gets Checkmated In Friendly Chess Match

CM Vijay Honours Praggnanandhaa, Gets Checkmated In Friendly Chess Match

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay honoured Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with a Rs 50 lakh incentive after his historic Norway Chess title win. The Chief Minister also played a friendly game of chess with the 20-year-old Grandmaster, where he was checkmated by the young prodigy.

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Beijing reacts to Quad ministers' New Delhi statement

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.

TMC Leader Alleges Harassment of Bengali Speakers in BJP-Ruled States

TMC Leader Alleges Harassment of Bengali Speakers in BJP-Ruled States

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues.